AAPI Victory Alliance Endorses State-Level Candidates in Arizona and Georgia
WASHINGTON — Today, the AAPI Victory Alliance endorsed several Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) candidates running for state-level office in Arizona and Georgia:
Arizona
Representative Junelle Cavero (House 11)
Senator Priya Sundareshan (Senate 48)
Georgia
Senator Nabilah Islam-Parkes (Senate 7)
Representative Michelle Au (House 50)
Representative Long Tran (House 80)
Representative Marvin Lim (House 98)
Representative Sam Park (House 107)
Michelle Kang (House 99)
Ashwin Ramaswami (Senate 48)
As part of AAPI Victory Alliance’s commitment to promoting diverse leadership and advocating for inclusive policies, The Alliance has carefully selected candidates who embody the values of equity, justice, and progress for all communities. These endorsements reflect a strategic effort to amplify AAPI voices and ensure representation at critical decision-making levels.
With a concentrated focus on the South and the Sunbelt and state legislative seats, the AAPI Victory Alliance underscores the importance of having AAPI candidates in these regions and at the local level. The fastest-growing populations in the South and Sunbelt are AAPIs, making representation crucial for addressing these communities' unique challenges and opportunities. By endorsing candidates in Arizona and Georgia, the Alliance aims to foster a more inclusive political landscape that reflects the electorate's diversity.
“On behalf of the AAPI Victory Alliance, I am pleased to announce our endorsement of several incredibly qualified AAPI candidates in Arizona and Georgia. In this pivotal moment, endorsing these candidates underscores our dedication to fostering inclusive governance and advancing the interests of the AAPI community," said Varun Nikore, Executive Director of AAPI Victory Alliance. "We believe these candidates will champion policies that benefit all residents and contribute to the diversity and strength of their respective states.
“I am honored and deeply humbled to receive the endorsement of the AAPI Victory Alliance. I hope to continue being a firm voice for Arizona AANHPI working families and continue building a pipeline of strong leaders for many generations to come,” said Arizona State Representative Junelle Cavaro of House 11, who is running for reelection.
“As the sole AAPI legislator in the Arizona Senate Democratic caucus, I know that I must speak up on bills that impact the AAPI community. I have spoken out to provide the broader AAPI perspective and history on bills targeting Chinese immigrants that hearken back to the days of the Alien Land Laws, which prevented members of our AAPI community from owning land. I am so proud to receive the endorsement of the AAPI Victory Alliance to ensure our community continues to have a voice in the Arizona Senate,” added Senator Priya Sundareshan of Arizona's Senate District 48 who is running for reelection.
“I am honored to be endorsed by AAPI Victory Alliance as I run for re-election for Georgia’s 50th district. Together, we have been able to make real progress towards combating gun violence, protecting reproductive rights, and creating Georgia's first AAPI caucus in the General Assembly. As a physician, seasoned public servant, and proud second-generation Chinese-American, I believe deeply in the American promise that equal opportunity is available to all. I would be honored to continue to work towards our shared vision of a healthier and more inclusive Georgia together,” said Representative Dr. Michelle Au of Georgia’s State House District 50 who is running for reelection.
“I’m proud to earn AAPI Victory Alliance’s support again as we keep on building the bench with AAPI voices and elected officials at the table,” said State Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes. “This November’s election just became even more critical for our communities with the opportunity to elect the first AAPI United States President but also continue electing AAPI candidates down the ballot and breaking glass ceilings across the country,” said Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes of Georgia, who is running for reelection.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the AAPI Victory Alliance. Together, we will work to ensure that every member of our AAPI community has access to economic opportunities, affordable healthcare, and the support needed to achieve their American Dream. This endorsement strengthens my commitment to advocating for policies that promote equity, inclusion, and upward mobility for all,” said Michelle Kang, candidate for Georgia State Representative House District 99.
“We as AAPIs need to show, not just tell other AAPIs, that we care about them. I am grateful for the AAPI Victory Alliance's support to be able to make that happen,” emphasized Marvin Lim, candidate for Georgia State Representative, House District 98, Georgia General Assembly who is running for reelection.
“As the longest-serving Asian American in the Georgia State Legislature and the first to be elected to a leadership position in our State's history, it is my honor to be endorsed by the AAPI Victory Alliance. Since I was elected in 2016, we have seen an increase in Asian American political participation and representation that culminated in the Asian American community being the margin of victory in the pivotal 2020 election. I look forward to working with the AAPI Victory Alliance to continue the progress we have made in Georgia,” said Sam Park, candidate for Georgia State Representative for House District 107 who is running for reelection.
“I am honored to be endorsed by the AAPI Victory Alliance. I would be the first Indian American state legislator in Georgia and I will seek to ensure that the AAPI community is not only represented but heard”, said Ashwin Ramaswami, candidate for Georgia’s State Senate District 48. “We’ve built a grassroots campaign here in District 48 to ensure we elect a leader who will serve our communities. As a lifelong resident of this district, I understand the challenges we face and the opportunities we have for growth. I am committed to bringing inclusive, informed, and forward-thinking leadership to our State Senate so that individuals across the AAPI community are supported in their pursuit of the American Dream: by funding our schools, supporting our small businesses, preparing us for the technology of the future, and protecting the right to vote.”
“This election is turning out to be once again crucial for our AAPI community. With record turnout in 2020, it mobilized AAPI leaders to run for office over the last 4 years. Now many are up for re-election. AAPI Victory Alliance’s endorsement matters because it validates the success of representing AAPIs as electeds. All this continues to build the AAPI community’s impact on elections,” said Representative Long Tran of Georgia’s State House District 80 who is running for reelection.
If you’d like to connect with Varun Nikore to discuss The Alliance’s Em-Powered Endorsement Program, please contact media@aapivictoryalliance.com
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AAPI Victory Alliance is dedicated to building Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) political power across the country. Through education on progressive issues and creating and advocating for policies that affect our communities, we strive to give a voice to AAPIs. We collaborate with organizations to ensure our communities exert their power and become the margin of victory at local, state, and national levels.